ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a public health crisis and a global catastrophe for human societies. In the absence of a vaccine, non-pharmaceutical interventions have been implemented across the world to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Recently, several studies have articulated the influence of meteorological parameters on COVID-19 infections in several countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lockdown measures and meteorological parameters on COVID-19 daily confirmed cases and deaths in Bangladesh. Different parameters, such as case fatality rate, recovery rate, number of polymerase chain reaction tests, and percentages of confirmed cases were calculated for data covering March to September 2020. The meteorological data include daily average temperature, humidity, and wind speed, and their effects on COVID-19 data were analyzed after 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. A linear regression analysis revealed that all the studied meteorological parameters were positively correlated with the daily new cases and deaths in Bangladesh, while the highest correlations were observed for the 14 days incubation period. These results provide useful implications for the healthcare authorities to contain the pandemic in Bangladesh and beyond.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate behavioral attitude and compliance of employees in adhering to COVID-19 preventive strategies. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted in CMH Kharian Medical College in the month of September 2020. Convenient sampling was used 442 employees of CMH Kharian Medical College, including faculty, students and administrative/technical staff were included in the study. Prochaska model of behavior change (PMBC) was used to access behavior pattern. Questions were asked about adhering to WHO advised COVID-19 preventive strategies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 442 participants, 9.7%, 6.8% and 6.6% belonged to a category that didn't see any benefit of using face mask, washing hands for 20 seconds and keeping advised social distancing of minimum 3-6 feet in preventing COVID-19, and they did not have any intention to use these p r e v e n t i v e s t r a t e g i e s (b e l o n g t o P r e-contemplation phase of PMBC). Almost 1.3%, 1.8% and 0.8% of staff belonged to contemplation phase and were of opinion that they were enjoying their own way of life, and they were little concerned that if they continue like this, it might be hazardous to their health. Still they did not adhere to preventive strategies, owing to lack of motivation-hall mark of contemplation phase of PMBC. Conclusion: Majority of personnel (70%) of our medical school were found in maintenance phase once it comes to compliance of preventive strategies. There is dire need to work on remaining 30% of individuals so that those pertaining to pre-contemplation and other three phases do realize the significance of above mentioned preventive strategies in halting the prevention of COVID-19. (Rawal Med J 202;46:698-701).